Getting Help: Mental Health Resources

Mental health is something a lot of students struggle with, but not everyone knows where to get help. At Redwood High School, there are several resources available for students who need support, whether it’s stress from school, personal issues, or just feeling overwhelmed.

By: Liah Rodriguez 

Mental Health is just as important as physical health, especially for young people. It affects how we think, feel, and handle stressful situations. With school pressures, social media, and personal challenges, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed.

When mental health is in a good and steady place, students are more likely to focus, stay motivated, and enjoy life. But when it’s struggling, even small tasks can feel impossible. That’s why taking care of mental health is so important. 

Mani Tomola, an admin assistant at Redwood, wants students to know that there are people here who care. “They can always see their guidance counselors, we have a social worker and a psychologist,” Tomola said. These staff members are trained to support students, whether they need someone to talk to, help manage emotions, or resources outside of school.

Tomola also pointed out that mental health plays a big role in school performance. “It’s vital for our well-being. I think it’s hard to study, be in class, and concentrate when you’re struggling with your mental health.” This is why it’s important to reach out for help, so you can feel better and do your best.

Reaching out for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a step toward feeling stronger and healthier! Jose De Leon, the school psychologist, is on campus every day in the library, ready to help students. “I’m here five days a week,” he said. “We also have a social worker, and she has two interns who help support her. I also have an intern that helps me out twice a week.”

De Leon explained that counselors are usually the first people to talk to if you’re struggling. They can help figure out what kind of support you need and refer you to the right person.

“Counselors ask some questions about what’s going on, and depending on their answers, they might refer you either to the social worker or myself, or they might have resources that are outside of school.”

Angelica Delvillar, the school social worker, provides more personal support for students. “I have myself here, I do individual support. I run groups, so a lot of skill building, grief, and loss,” Delvillar said. “We also have groups where we talk about healthy boundaries and healthy relationships.”

One of the programs Delvillar helps run is called Healing Circles, which is part of the HEAL Project. This program uses culture, art, and community to help students deal with challenges.

“I think mental health is important for the stability of our lives and for our future generations to come,” Delvillar said.

The HEAL Project is a program designed to help students, especially those from BIPOC, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities, deal with stress and mental health challenges. They offer activities like art projects, healing circles, leadership opportunities, and an annual youth summit.

Their goal is to create a safe space where students can connect, express themselves, and learn healthy ways to cope. “Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives,” the HEAL Project team said. “When we gather together, create together, and lead together, we strengthen our mental health as individuals and as a community.”

If you ever feel like you need support, there are multiple ways to reach out. You can talk to your counselor in the office or use a QR code to make an appointment. You can visit the library, where De Leon is available every day to help students.

You can join a support group with Delvillar to work through emotions and experiences with others who understand. You can also check out the HEAL Project for a creative and community-based approach to mental health.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. Redwood has people who care and want to help. It’s never too late to reach out and take the first step toward feeling better!

More Resources:

National Suicide and Bullying Prevention Lifeline: 

800-273-8255 or Text/Dial 988

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

800-799-7233

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency: 

800-834-7121

See Something Say Something Hotline:

1-844-5-SayNow 

VUSD

Heal Project: healproject.net and @heal.project on Instagram 

Warm Line: 1-877-306-2413 & Warm Line 

Family Services: Family Services

The Source LGBT+Center: The Source LGBT+Center

Hope Horizons: Hope Horizons Visalia Wellness Center: (559) 931-1001 & Visalia Wellness Center

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